Sharp edges in turbine blades can create stress concentrations which can lead to crack propagation and risk damaging the aeroengine. Sharp edged surfaces are rounded or chamfered to help mitigate this, in a process called Break Sharp Edge (BSE).
Equipped with the high resolution T15 sensor, the GapGun® can detect edge breaks that are a fraction of a millimetre to a high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, due it’s non-contact nature, the GapGun® is an ideal tool for measuring fragile and delicate parts.
Weld defects such as porosity or cracks can compromise the structural integrity of the aeroengine, increasing the likelihood of failure, so it is essential that they are measured properly.
The GapGun® makes measuring welds easy, since it is suitable for all manner of complex and unique shapes, which would otherwise be challenging to measure with conventional tools.
Radii and chamfers of blades, turbine rings, compressor rings, and other aeroengine components can be very small, where any measurement errors can impact the safety and performance of the engine.
It is crucial to use a precise measurement tool to avoid errors – the GapGun® can measure even the smallest radii/chamfers commonly encountered, generating reliable results
Measuring blade-to-casing clearance gaps in aeroengines is an essential step during inspection. if the gap is too small, it can cause the blades to rub against the engine casing, causing damage. If the gap is too large, it can lead to a loss of efficiency in the engine. Inspecting the blade engine clearance can be difficult often due to tight spaces and restricted accessibility.
Equipped with an assortment of stand offs and accessories, tight spaces can be accessed easily and efficiently using the GapGun®, helping to ensure measurements are correct whilst keeping measurement time down.
The stringent safety and performance requirements in the aerospace industry means that the quality inspection of aerostructures must be done to the highest standards, using the best tools available. The GapGun® is a versatile handheld laser measurement device that can measure all manner of features of aerostructures to a high degree of accuracy and with complete measurement traceability. Some of the biggest names in aerospace are using the GapGun® to measure and inspect various critical features of aerostructures, including…
Poorly fitted aircraft components can have serious ramifications on the performance and safety of the plane during flight. Gap and step measurements are taken at various stages of the general assembly process of an aircraft to verify that the components have been fitted correctly. Examples where gap and step measurements are taken include: fuselage, wing, empennage, and engine nacelle assembly.
The GapGun® is an ideal tool for measuring gap and step during aircraft general assembly. It provides accurate, reliable measurements which are essential for such safety critical processes. GapGun® can also help improve the efficiency of inspection processes, by reducing physical measurement time, and offering automatic data logging and exporting.
Wing seals prevent water, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the wing structure, which can cause corrosion and other damage. If the seals are not measured accurately during inspection, they may not function properly, compromising the integrity of the wing structure and potentially leading to dangerous situations during flight.
By using the GapGun®, aerospace technicians can easily and quickly measure wing seals, without the need for time-consuming and error-prone manual measurements. The GapGun® is suited to all manner of complex geometries due to the extensive configuration options available.
Aircraft countersinks need to be properly inspected to ensure that the associated fasteners are flush with the surface of the structure, which in turn reduces drag and increases aerodynamic efficiency.
The T60-CSK sensor head for the GapGun® is a specialized tool designed for measuring countersinks in aircraft structures. The T60-CSK offers significant advantages in terms of speed, accuracy, and ease of use compared with traditional depth gauges. The tool is also able to measure countersinks on a wide range of materials, including aluminium, titanium, and composite structures.
“Our previous manual process took two-and-a-half hours, the GapGun measures in just 20 minutes.
Does the same job”
Keith Masterton
Business Control Manager, Agusta Westland
